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Chisago Lakes put together a pair of gritty conference wins last week, edging Zimmerman by two points  before outlasting St. Francis in a double-overtime thriller on the road.

Chisago Lakes 78, Zimmerman 76

On Tuesday, Jan. 13, the Wildcats rallied late to slip past the Thunder  78-76 after trailing 43-35 at halftime. 

Chisago Lakes turned the momentum in the second half with improved ball movement and timely defensive stops, outscoring the Thunder 43-33 over the final 18 minutes.

Joe Couwenhoven and Cohen Underhill led the way with 20 points apiece. Couwenhoven was efficient from the floor, knocking down 8 of 13 shots while adding seven rebounds and two blocks. Underhill attacked the basket consistently, finishing 7-of-13 from the field and 4-of-10 at the free-throw line. Colton Betts chipped in 13 points and five steals, while Luke Leadholm pulled down nine rebounds and handed out six assists as the Wildcats leaned on balanced contributions down the stretch.

Chisago Lakes 89, St. Francis 87

Three nights later, Chisago Lakes showed its resilience again in an 89-87 double-overtime win at St. Francis on Friday, Jan. 16. The Wildcats built a 45-26 halftime lead, but the two-win Saints stormed back to force overtime before the teams traded baskets through two extra periods.

Underhill delivered a game-high 26 points in the win, battling foul trouble and a physical defense to hit 10 field goals and six free throws. Betts added 18 points, including four 3-pointers, while Couwenhoven posted a strong all-around effort with 15 points and 10 rebounds.

Leadholm finished with 12 rebounds, and Colton Beaver had 10 points and six assists.

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